Autumn Across the Mitten: A Detroiter’s Experience

Michigan is never more beautiful than in the fall. From the rolling, coastal hills outside Traverse City to generations-old cider mills that seem to rival McDonald’s in number, Michigan was built for fall enjoyment. Even the color of the sunlight feels happier.

I grew up in a small Lake Michigan beach town and often find myself desensitized to the charms that lure visitors to Michigan this time of year. Even still, I am easily hypnotized when the road goes higher in elevation and an inflamed fall panorama opens before me. Every time it’s early afternoon, I wish I could transport me and my car to US 31 in Honor, Michigan. When driving south between Honor and Beulah, the road turns into a roller coaster whose thrills are all about the amazing views of forests, lakes, and tiny towns. In the fall, the expanse before you looks like all the colors of seventy carpets haphazardly laid out across the landscape. Hundreds of shades of brown, red, orange, yellow, and green blanket the world. The ominous clouds that seem to always drape Michigan skies in fall, act as curtains to a room with a draft and lots of afghans.

Photo courtesy of Shawn Addison

Sadly, I cannot leave Detroit this fall, but I am not without the spectacular fall views (and I don’t even have to go to the outer suburbs to get them). One of the best fall views in Detroit is heading north on Mt Elliott Avenue just before it joins Caniff Street. There’s this blissful moment when you and your car rise above the industrial grid, and you feel like you’re the king or queen of Detroit.

So while everyone else gets to see the natural beauty of Michigan’s autumn, I will have to settle for the ten seconds I feel like royalty on Mt. Elliott Avenue. But I will absolutely have some cider on hand.

Where are some of your favorite places in Detroit to enjoy fall?

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grew up in Ludington where I spent most of my summers at the beach or napping afterward to the lingering rhythm of the waves. I moved to Detroit in September of 2013 to attend Wayne State University. When I’m not studying about communications or urban studies, I adventure around the streets of Detroit to learn my real lessons.
Some of my favorite things about the Mitten are Jeffrey Eugenides, Tigers baseball, Michigan brews, UpNorth, and, of course, the Great Lakes.
I love receiving responses to my thoughts–if you’re so inspired!